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Greetings from London!
The Café is posting from "across the pond" this week, as we're visiting our daughter and her family in London. We arrived in the UK just four days ago, yet we already feel like we've packed in a ton of fun and great times with the family.
It seems that deja vu happens each time we visit this bustling city of eight million. Although we love to see and visit all the famous London sights, what we really enjoy most is just living every day life here, as it's so uniquely different from our daily routine at home in the States. And this time of year is, by far, our favorite time to soak up the every day life. After a typically cold and wet London winter, spring emerges in such a dazzling array of splendor, that a walk along the river Thames or through one of the many lovely city parks takes your breath away at every turn.
Of course, Scott has had his hands on his camera 24/7, and has had fun capturing all of our adventures thus far. We thought we'd share a bit of the London Spring so you could see why it's captivated us so.
The day after we arrived, we took a trip to our daughter's favorite market. Oh my, I see why she's so taken with it - the vendors offered the most beautiful, fresh produce, baked goods, meat, fish, cheese, honey, soup, eggs, pasta, greens, flowers ... check it out!
And then there's the parks. Oh, the amazing parks! Because many of the homes in London are row houses and are attached or stacked on top of each other, you don't find many big grassy lawns like we have back in the States. They totally make up for it though, with their parks. The parks are generously scattered throughout the city, and are wildly popular with young and old alike. At this time of the year, everyone is out enjoying the beautiful blooming trees and flowers of every hue and variety. Yesterday we rented bicycles and rode through Hyde Park, Green Park and St. James Park, all right in the heart of London. We cycled past Kensington Palace, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral and Scotland Yard, so fun!
The river Thames runs right through the heart of London and the city has done a great job of making it a center of attraction. There are walking and biking paths that run alongside the lovely river for miles on end. It's a wonderful place for chattering children, starry-eyed lovers, pram-pushing nannies and strollers of all ages. History unfolds right before your eyes as ancient bridges, regal palaces or moss covered stone walls greet your eye at every turn. The Thames is only a two minute walk from our daughters home, so we find ourselves river-strolling at all times of the day and night.
Although London in springtime is spectacular beyond description, our most cherished moments have been with the family here. Together we've laughed, talked, played games, watched movies, picnicked in the park, worshipped in a beautiful old cathedral, learned magic tricks, read stories and so much more. What a precious gift to spend this time together!
Tomorrow Scott and I board the Eurostar and head to France where we've rented a little Paris flat for a week. We'll be sharing sights, culinary adventures and some delicious recipes from the beautiful City of Light.
Until then, cheerio!
Danielle says
Oh Chris how Blessed you and Scott are thanks for sharing and the photography is lovely as always Scott. What a beautiful family you all have. The children are so happy such precious memories that's what life is about makin memories.
Chris Scheuer says
It truly is Danielle! We look forward to each and every time we have with them, since we know they'll (the grandchildren) grow up so fast!
Mary Hirsch says
Oh Chris and Scott, the pictures of those four precious grand children (love the scab on that little guy - what did he run into?) are beautiful. Your daughter, like her Mother, is a pretty lady. I also enjoyed the tour of London at its Spring peak. I cannot remember seeing London quite that spectacular. God Save the Queen. I would love to know the names of all those trees, Scott. Melissa and I were scheduled to spend a week in London this past Winter but had to cancel. She is a busy Mama and a working girl. It just didn't work. So I was very happy to see it through your Lens. Once again, although your grandchildren are across the Pond, you do make the plans and take the time to see them often both there and here in the US - that's so important, as you know. It does feed the soul, huh?